Hayles-Doherty signs professional deal

Whilst the end of the 2016/17 season didn't provide much cheer for Saddlers fans, at least there was the (albeit limited) showcase of some of our talented young players.

Mitch Candlin, Kory Roberts and Tobias Hayles-Doherty have all made their professional debuts this season and the latter has today signed a contract with the Saddlers until 2019. Hayles-Doherty made his debut in the disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Port Vale, making a bursting run down the wing with his first touch before becoming a bit overawed by the occasion. Hopefully with a full pre-season with the senior squad under his belt, Hayles-Doherty and the other youngsters can really flourish in what could prove a difficult season for Jon Whitney.

You get the feeling that if Whitney is successfully able to bring through a number of players from the youth team, then he may be cut a bit more slack from the Board.